piece 1 of 2

1
2
as in composition
a literary, musical, or artistic production presented a new interpretation of the piece by Mozart

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in portion
something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group believes his piece of the profits should be higher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

piece

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word piece distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of piece are division, fragment, member, part, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When is division a more appropriate choice than piece?

While in some cases nearly identical to piece, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When can fragment be used instead of piece?

While the synonyms fragment and piece are close in meaning, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

Where would member be a reasonable alternative to piece?

In some situations, the words member and piece are roughly equivalent. However, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When might part be a better fit than piece?

The words part and piece can be used in similar contexts, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

When would portion be a good substitute for piece?

Although the words portion and piece have much in common, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When could section be used to replace piece?

The meanings of section and piece largely overlap; however, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

In what contexts can segment take the place of piece?

The words segment and piece are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of piece
Noun
The public offers a piece of its mind Mic's Celeste Katz discloses that Trump's controversial voter fraud panel won't let the public speak at its first meeting on July 19 but did solicit emails. The Hive, 14 July 2017 Alan Jacobs, a professor at Baylor University, has written eloquently about that last piece. Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 14 July 2017
Verb
In the chaos, the team digitally piece the hull back together. Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2025 Christina Ricci is a joy to watch in this episode as Misty gleefully pieces everything together. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piece
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piece
Noun
  • Stencils and fragments of text are also incorporated.
    Stephanie Rudig, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Bread sold in six different states has been voluntarily recalled after fragments of glass were found on top of the bread, the Food and Drug Administration has announced.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • By analyzing the colors and structures within the dust cocoons, scientists infer the composition, density and temperature of the gas and dust — crucial insights into the conditions necessary for stars to ignite. 5.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Industry experts believe that, to mitigate growing risks in complex software and AI, clear visibility into their composition is crucial.
    Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Many aspects of American life—for instance, the view held by many Americans that freedom and the right to bear firearms are inextricable—do not resonate outside the United States.
    RANA MITTER, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Johnson also spoke about the importance of properly securing firearms and using gun locks.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Winter weather advisories have been issued for portions of central California and the Greater Lake Tahoe area by the National Weather Service (NWS).
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Combined with technology companies strengthening their security features, the momentum for these eco-friendly digital tools continues to build.
    Allison Begalman, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Duhamel purchased some land and spent the last 15 years building a rustic cabin.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With about 100 vendors, there is a little bit of everything here, from jewelry to pickles and hot sauce to collectible items like coins and comic books.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The spandex offers a little bit of stretch, while the Sorona polyester creates a fluffy texture that doesn’t feel heavy on your body.
    Jamie Ballard, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The club have been pleased with the facilities on recent training camps in Spain, but the weather has been a little bit warm for putting in properly-serious work.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, award-winning author Pico Iyer was honored with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, and Amanda Gorman received the Innovator’s Award for her work promoting literacy, empowering youth and raising awareness on important issues.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Multiple instances of gun violence occur outside of New York City Public Schools, often involving students and school safety staff.
    Savanah Jackson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Another recording, from a nearby security camera apparently without sound, appeared to show Lauren chambering a round and raising the gun, followed by police bullets kicking up dirt near her feet a moment after.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piece.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piece. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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